Opportunity, mentoring, pave way to pay it forward
Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, Ph.D., vice president for advancement and community relations at Nova Southeastern University, recently received the 2017 ATHENA award from the Chamber of the Palm Beaches. The awards program recognizes individuals and organizations that are leaders in their field, have mentored women, and have given back to the community. O’Flannery Anderson says volunteering, and the workplace, create the platforms for her to provide advocacy, guidance and professional support for female and minority students and staff members. Having strong mentors throughout her own career has been a boost to her professional development, putting her in the position of paying it forward.
She’s chair of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance; vice president of the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches; and board member of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, PACE Center for Girls and Winterfest, among other activities.
On the job
Create opportunity: My team is my greatest asset to ensure that I am able to fulfill the expectations of my job. That means providing opportunities that expose my team to new experiences, such as partnering with each other in cross-functional teams, to become comfortable working in unpredictable and changing environments.
Template for growth: Take the time to coach and guide. As a mentee, for me this meant I could complete a project, represent my boss’ priorities and come out of the assignment a better person.
Impact: Employees and volunteers
who are trained and mentored become skilled at providing that extra help and assistance to their students, clients and colleagues, creating positive outcomes.
Professional satisfaction: Representing NSU in the business community and especially focusing on economic development.
Quick takes:
What’s new: The use of data analytics. Having the improved information is not enough; the key is then to uncover and map out engagement plans for our donors and prospects that are meaningful, unique and align with their deep passions and concerns.
Challenge: Complexity of philanthropic giving with regard to taxes and legal guidelines.
The lesson: My mentors took the time to make sure I was successful and made sure I understood how that success reflected positively on the university.